Power system Protection Part – IX Dr.Prof.

Mohammed Twafeeq Al-Zuhairi

Transformer Protection

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Power system Protection Part – IX Dr.Prof. Mohammed Twafeeq Al-Zuhairi

Transformer Protection
The protection method used for power transformers depends on the
transformer ratings. Transformers are usually categorized according to their
ratings as follows:

 Transformers below 5000 KVA (Category I & II) are protected using
Fuses.Fuses and MV circuit breakers are often used to protect
transformers up to 1000 kVA (distribution transformers for 11kV and
33kV).

 For transformers 10 MVA and above (Category III & IV) ,differential
relay are commonly used to protect them. Current differential relays are
applied for transformers as main protection. In regard to backup
protection, distance protection or overcurrent (phase current, zero
sequence current) protection or both are mainly applied.

In addition to the above, mechanical relays such as Buchholtz relays and

sudden pressure relays are widely applied to transformer protection, and are
particular to application to transformer protection. Mechanical relays are
intended to detect faults which the main relay could not detect. In addition to
these relays, thermal overload protection is often applied for the purpose of
extending a transformer’s life time rather than for detecting faults.

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Main Electrical Protection

(1) Percentage Biased Current Differential protection
Differential Protection provides the best overall protection. Biased current
differential protection is most commonly applied for transformer protection.
Fig.1 shows typical application for a star-delta transformer. Fig.2 shows typical
connections of the percentage differential relays with their associated current
transformers.

Transformer
Protection

Fig.1 Typical Application

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Power system Protection Part – IX Dr.Prof. Mohammed Twafeeq Al-Zuhairi

Transformer Differential Relay Connections

Fig.2 Protection of delta – Star transformer bank by percentage

differential relays.

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Power system Protection Part – IX Dr.Prof. Mohammed Twafeeq Al-Zuhairi

Phase Shifting in Star-Delta Connected Transformer

Between the primary and secondary current of the transformer of a star-delta

connection is a phase angle difference of 30. For this reason, a method that
aligns the current phase by differing from the connection of the CT secondary
circuit of both sides is taken. The following describes the concept of such a
connection.
The transformer unit is connected to the CT secondary circuit on the star
connection side by a delta connection and to the CT secondary circuit on the
delta connection side by a star connection, thereby acquiring a correct phase
relationship with respect to load current and external fault current. Fig.2 shows
the correct phase relationship with respect to a three-phase current.

(2)Restricted Earth Fault Protection

A very large fault current can flow when a fault occurs at the transformer
bushing. In that case, the fault must be cleared as quickly as possible. It can be
difficult for phase current differential protection to detect faults to earth near
transformer neutral points. In this case zero sequence current differential
protection comparing the neutral current with the residual current of three
phases, which is often called restricted earth fault protection (REF) is suitable
to be applied. This function can be combined with phase current differential
protection in a single unit as shown in Fig.3.

Fig.3 Typical Application with REF.

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Example

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Power system Protection Part – IX Dr.Prof. Mohammed Twafeeq Al-Zuhairi

Backup Protection
(1) Overcurrent Protection

It is quite common that overcurrent relays are applied to the high voltage side
for transformer backup protection. It is especially suitable when there is no
power source on the lower voltage side, because the overcurrent protection will
operate only for faults in the transformer or on the low voltage side. Inverse
overurrent relays are sometimes applied to the lower voltage side for back up
protection for the lower voltage lines rather than for the transformer.

(2) Distance Protection

If VTs are available, distance relays can be applied for backup protection. An
advantage of distance protection is that it can distinguish forward faults from
reverse faults. Therefore, distance protection can be applied for backup
protection even when there are power sources on the lower voltage side. It is
also possible that distance protection is applied as second main protection of a
transformer if the zone 1 reach is set to less than the total impedance of the
transformer. (e.g. 80%)

Mechanical Protection
Insulation deterioration of the electrical circuit or the iron core may cause
vaporization of insulation fluid. Since differential protection for transformer
cannot detect such an event, the following mechanical protection should be
used.

(1) Buchholtz Relay

The Buchholtz relay is installed at the pipe between the main unit and the
conservator, and it detects resolved gas by the float switch when a fault occurs
within the transformer.

 A Buchholz relay is a gas and oil operated device installed in the pipe
between the top of the transformer main tank and the conservator.
 The function of the relay is to detect an abnormal condition within the
tank and send an alarm or trip signal.
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 Under normal conditions the relay is completely full of oil. Operation

occurs when floats are displaced by an accumulation of gas, or a flap is
moved by a surge of oil.
 Almost all large oil-filled transformers (above 500kVA – category-II) are
equipped with a Buchholz relay. A general view of the relay is shown in
Fig.1.

Fig.1 Buchholz relay Front View (A - Gas Collection Chamber).

Principle of operation

A Buchholz relay will detect:

Gas produced within the transformer

An oil surge from the tank to the conservator

A complete loss of oil from the conservator (very low oil level)

Fault conditions within a transformer produce gases such as carbon monoxide,

hydrogen and a range of hydrocarbons.

 A small fault produces a small volume of gas that is deliberately

trapped in the gas collection chamber (A) built into the relay. The
oil level will be lowered and the oil in the bucket (B) will tilt the

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counter weight C.W., thus switch Hg1 operates alarm circuit to

send an alarm (see Fig.2.
 A large fault produces a large volume of gas which drives a surge
of oil towards the conservator. This surge moves a flap (P) in the
relay to operate switch Hg2 and send a trip signal to open the main
circuit breaker.
 The device will also respond to a severe reduction in the oil level
due to oil leakage from the tank.

Fig.2 Construction of Buchholz relay.

(2) Sudden-Pressure Relay

The sudden-pressure relay is installed in the upper part of a bursting tube, and
it detects the sudden increase of internal pressure by the bellows when a fault
occurs within the transformer.

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